After losing legends Mike Evans (to SF) and Lavonte David (retirement), the focus has shifted heavily toward the defensive side of the ball.
TAMPA, Fla. – It’s shaping up to be an interesting NFL Draft for the Bucs, especially in the early rounds.
Even though GM Jason Licht believes the Bucs have plenty of talent, he could see a scenario where Tampa Bay trades down from number 15 in the first round, but it takes two to tango.
“In a lot of scenarios that we’re working through, yeah,” Licht said. “You have a group of players that you say, no matter what, if that player’s there, we’re taking (them). If there’s a group of three, maybe you go back one to two or two to make sure you get one of your three. But the part that makes it difficult is you’ve got to find a trade partner. It’s not as easy as it sounds.”
Tampa Bay had a disappointing season after starting 6-2, then went on a 1-7 slide before beating the Carolina Panthers in their final game and missing the playoffs.
The Bucs lost their two veteran stars, wide receiver Mike Evans, who chose to go to the 49ers, and linebacker Levonte David, who retired.
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The wide receiver unit still has talent in Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Licht added running back Kenneth Ganwell to pair with Bucky Irving at running back and considers a now healthy offensive line to be one of their strong points.
It’s pretty obvious the Bucs need help on the defense.
“We do see that there is a need for help on the defensive side.,” Licht said. “
Licht gets a kick out of head coach Todd Bowles’ reaction when media and fans call him a Coach that focuses mainly on defense. Licht points to last year’s draft, where the Bucs went with a wide receiver in the first round, even though the Bucs were projected to take an edge rusher.
“He (Bowles) hates the world’s defensive-minded head coach,” Licht said. “He proved to me last year where he wasn’t upset with taking Emeka (Egbuka) where he says you have to take the best player that helps you win games, period.”
The nine-week voluntary offseason workout program starts Monday. The NFL begins Thursday night.
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